From surface level chrome wheel refinishing to complete chrome rim restoration, at Houston Wheel Repair, we do it all. If you have a chrome wheel that needs repair, we can help.
Our repairs are done in-house using state-of-the-art equipment. We offer both residential and commercial wheel rim refinishing/restoration services for all original equipment and aftermarket wheel specifications.
Why Do Chrome Wheels Sometimes Need Repairs?
Chrome wheels have a highly polished, mirror-like finish. The wheel is usually polished, and then plated with layers of copper, then nickel, then chrome. Each layer helps the next one bond to the wheel. Chrome plating can add 2-3 pounds to each wheel.
The finish is very shiny and reflective. However, brake dust, road salt, cold climates and salt air can cause chrome plated finishes to pit & peel. This is a major problem with chrome-plated wheels, which require routine cleaning to avoid surface damage.
In Houston, brake dust, humidity and flood water are what pit and peel chrome. Regardless of the precautions you take, however, many chrome plated wheels start to pit or peel in one to two years.
Repairs Provided for Chrome Polished Rims
If the damage to your polished chrome rims is surface-level, Houston Wheel Repair can polish your wheels to get them back into like-new condition. We can restore the original luster of your wheel by either, hand polishing, machine polishing or using vibratory polishing machines. The finished wheels also receive a powder-coated clear coat to better protect the finish.
How to fix curb rash on chrome rims
Quick answer: Curb rash on chrome can’t be sanded and touched up like painted wheels, because sanding cuts through the plating and chrome-look paint never matches real chrome. Very light scuffs can sometimes be polished out. Deeper rash means re-plating the wheel, or refinishing it in a new finish such as paint or powder coat. Houston Wheel Repair quotes chrome after we see the wheel. Call 713-942-0294.
Your three options for damaged chrome
| Option | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Polish | Light scuffs, dullness, minor oxidation | Done by hand or machine, then sealed with a powder-coated clear coat |
| Re-plate | Minor damage when you want real chrome back | Takes 4 to 6 weeks; not recommended for badly pitted wheels |
| Refinish in paint or powder coat | Deep curb rash, peeling or pitting | The chrome is stripped and the wheel gets a new color, like gloss black or silver |
How to get paint off chrome rims
- Paint transfer or overspray: try an automotive paint-transfer remover or a clay bar with a microfiber towel. Test a small spot first.
- Never use sandpaper, scouring pads or harsh scrapers. They scratch through the chrome.
- Chrome under a full coat of paint (someone painted over it): it needs chemical stripping, which is a shop job.
Chrome Wheel Re-Plating Services
We do offer re-plating of existing chrome plated wheels. Re-plating of badly pitted or damaged wheels is not recommended, however. So we advise you to only consider this option if the damage or wheel corrosion is minor.
We highly recommend that you consider a new set of PVD wheels before committing to the expense of re-plating your existing chrome wheel. The turnaround time for chrome plating is 4-6 weeks.
Contact or Visit Our Chrome Wheel Repair Shop in Houston Today
Ready to see what we can do for your peeling, pitted, dull, or even cracked chrome wheels? Get in touch with one of our experts now for additional information or visit us to get a repair estimate today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrome Wheel Repair
Chrome wheel repair is the broad term for correcting damage to a chrome wheel or rim. Chrome wheel refinishing focuses on cosmetic problems affecting the surface, such as dullness, scratches, or minor oxidation. Chrome rim restoration is typically more comprehensive and may combine polishing, refinishing, corrosion treatment, or re-plating to bring a deteriorated wheel closer to its original condition.
Minor surface damage may be corrected through polishing or chrome wheel refinishing. Peeling chrome, deeper pitting, and corrosion may require re-plating or a more extensive chrome rim restoration. Because badly pitted or damaged wheels may not be suitable for re-plating, our technicians inspect each wheel before recommending repair, restoration, or replacement.
It depends on the wheel’s condition, value, and the extent of the damage. Re-plating may be worthwhile for a wheel with minor corrosion or finish deterioration, but it can be costly and typically takes four to six weeks. For badly damaged wheels, replacing the wheel with a new PVD-finished option may provide better value. Visit our chrome wheel repair shop in Houston for a professional assessment and recommendation.
Light scuffs can be polished. Deeper rash needs re-plating or refinishing in paint or powder coat, because chrome can’t be spot-repaired like paint.
It depends on the damage: polishing for dullness and light scuffs, re-plating for minor damage, and stripping and refinishing for peeling, pitting or deep rash.